Morning Skate -- Washington

Thursday

Mar 31, 2011 at 12:01 AMMar 31, 2011 at 4:38 PM

WASHINGTON: The first time Tomas Kubalik wore a Blue Jackets jersey he scored a hat trick against the Penguins in preseason. It was a nice moment for the kid, but nobody was sure when or if we might see him again once training camp concluded.

Much has changed since September. Kubalik, 20, has spent the entire season in minor-league Springfield, collecting 22 goals and 25 assists. He ranks among the AHL's top-5 in rookie scoring and reminds some of R.J. Umberger for his willingness to take a beating in the hard areas.

Kubalik was recalled today on an emergency basis and could make his NHL debut tonight against the Capitals in a nationally-televised game. Jackets captain Rick Nash might miss tonight's game with an undisclosed injury, said coach Scott Arniel. The ailment has been bothering Nash for several days and Arniel said unless it "loosens up," he probably won't play.

My guess is we will see the 6-foot-2 Kubalik tonight, going to the net and trying to redirect pucks in front of goalie Michal Neuvirth.

"He left here this morning with the biggest smile on his face," said Springfield coach Rob Riley, one of the organization's best additions in recent years. "He's had a great year for us. Tomas has been very consistent. He's work hard and he's very attentive and responsive to criticism. He's learning the defensive game like a lot of players his age. But he wants to get better. He's very self motivated."

Side Dishes

-- Coaches and management have noticed a difference in Max Mayorov's game since they last saw him in training camp. He has become better defensively and more reliable without the puck. The Springfield coaching staff has worked hard with Mayorov in trying to round out his game. If the Russian winger sticks in the NHL it's likely to be as a bottom-six forward. He's getting more consistent at doing the little things that coaches value. (Scoring the winning shootout goal with a top-shelf laser isn't a bad asset, either). -- Steve Mason will start for the Jackets. He's 3-1 lifetime against the Caps with a 1.32 GAA and .962 save percentage. He also registered a pair of shutouts against them in his rookie season.

-- Former Jacket left wing Jason Chimera is expected to play tonight after being made a healthy scratch on Tuesday. Chimera is an alternate captain, but he's one of the forwards who could be used sparingly in the playoffs with the additions of Marco Sturm and Jason Arnott.

-- Umberger makes his first visit to the Verzion Center since last season when he correctly predicted the Capitals would not go deep into the playoffs. Will fans boo him or thank him? The club is, at least statistically, much stronger this season. They rank fifth in goals against average (2.32).